It’s a drizzly, grey day in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, where I’m meeting history-making jockey Rachael Blackmore. We’re in Rachel’s Cafe, the bustling restaurant of a sprawling garden centre. “They’ve spelt your name wrong,” I say in mock indignation, pointing at the sign, and she laughs and says, “well spotted”. Blackmore is one of those Rachaels … Read more
Shorts, flip-flops, flimsy frocks and winning style on display for day two of Kildare horse-racing festival Racegoer Katie Young, from Kildare, on day two of the Punchestown Festival. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Standing on stage in the exposed suntrap of the Bollinger Champagne tent, it was hard not to feel a modicum of sympathy for the … Read more
Willie Mullins has said the main issue that caused so many false starts at last week’s Cheltenham Festival was starting races on a bend. Starting procedures came under the spotlight during the festival with seven races affected by false starts and controversy over the effects of consequent standing starts on some runners. A number had … Read more
Day Four schedule 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2.0: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle 2.40: Mrs Paddy Power Mares Steeple Chase (Grade 2) 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 4.0: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase 4.40: St James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase 5.20: Martin Pope Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle There’s a person wandering … Read more
Galopin Des Champs has a shot at steeplechasing immortality by pulling off a hat-trick in Friday’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. Just four horses have won the sport’s ‘Bule Riband’ three times. They make up a legendary elite. Best Mate was the last to pull off a magical three-in-a-row 21 years ago. Cottage Rake did the … Read more
Day Three schedule 1.20pm – Ryanair Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2pm – Jack Richards Novice Limited Handicap Chase 2.40pm – Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) 3.20pm – Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 4pm – Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) 4.40pm – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase 5.20pm – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup … Read more
PUNTERS were left absolutely fuming after yet more false start drama hit Cheltenham Festival. Seven jockeys were banned on day two for ‘misconduct‘ at the start – resulting in several false starts which hampered horses’ chances. 2 The race started with the fancied Willie Mullins-trained Maughreen facing the wrong way 2 She was completely detached … Read more
Giles – ‘It means a lot’ After watching Marine Nationale’s victory, Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles continued: “Michael loved the horse very much, they started their careers together and went on a journey together. “The horse has certainly put his heart and soul into today and it means a lot. “Michael was certainly with him … Read more
And from the clouds, it’s Jimmy Du Seuil! That’s another shock winner for Willie Mullins, this time with Danny Mullins on board. Al Gasparo has pushed on, Be Aware is improving, Colonel Mustard isn’t far away. Buting is leading on the outside of Al Gasparo with just under a mile to go. Plenty with chances … Read more
The opening Cheltenham fixture, the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, has been named after Mr O’Sullivan, and his family, including his girlfriend Charlotte Giles, said it “means the world” to them. Mr O’Sullivan had been riding Wee Charlie in Thurles early last month before a fall at the last in a two-mile handicap chase. The … Read more